After winning the 2009 Australian Open Final in a 5-set thriller against Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal has yet to win a second title Down Under. Despite making also making the finals in 2012, 2014, 2017 and 2019, the Spaniard has come up just a bit short in winning his second crown in Melbourne.
Nadal is looking to become only the second man in the Open Era to win each Grand Slam twice. A second Australian Open would put him in prestigious company along side the great Rod Laver as the only two men’s players to win each slam twice. With 13 French Open titles, 2 Wimbledon Championships and 4 U.S titles, the second Australian title has eluded this tennis great.
With losses in the final of 2014 against Stan Wawrinka, Roger Federer in 2017 and Novak Djokovic in 2012 and 2019, the window of opportunity is closing in on the great Spaniard. Although a proven hard court player, Nadal’s opponents have gotten the better of him in recent years.
In hopes of gearing into form, the world number 2 is beginning his 2021 season at the ATP Cup in Melbourne Park this week.
